Sun Sets On European Classic Series 2016

The weekend ended on a disappointing note for last year’s European Classic Series Endurance champions, who failed to retain their title in the final round at Aragon.

Everything had started positively for the Continental backed team, with the #1 P&M Suzuki qualifying in second place behind the Team Edge RST duo of Nick Edgeley and Jonny Towers who set a scorching lap on the GS1100E to take pole for the Le Mans style start.

Racing got underway in the late afternoon sun, with Hugh Brasher and Peter Linden comfortably holding second place which was more than enough to help them defend their title. However, in 4-hour endurance racing anything can happen.

A hairline crack developed in the crankcase on the #1 bike during the race, requiring them to come in for an engine change and leaving Belgium’s Team Force alone at the front on the Harris Suzuki.

From that point onward it would be a hard task for the two riders to score the finish they needed, but the second Phase One Suzuki with Stephane Mertens and Ian Simpson on board took over second place behind Hubin and Fastre with an hour to go.

At the three hour mark, the front two were followed by the Neate Racing Harris Honda, who would go on to claim their maiden title in the series after a string of podium finishes. Linden and Brasher had climbed back up to 5th place just behind Team Taurus, with Team Edge RST and and Team Alf’s Endurance from the UK sitting in 6th and 7th respectively.

The #1 bike eventually climbed up to 4th place, also taking 3rd in the legends class. Unfortunately for Stephane and Ian, an oil leak put an end to their race with just half an hour to go.